The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed Republican Patrick Johnson in the race to represent House District 8, an open seat in Morgan County, ahead of the May 19 Republican primary.
“Patrick grew up on a farm and is a small business owner who knows the needs of both business and agriculture,” said Mike Reeves, president of the Morgan County Farmers Federation. “He will carry that experience and knowledge to Montgomery to represent us in the Legislature.”
Johnson is seeking the seat currently held by Rep. Terri Collins, (R-Decatur) who announced she will not seek reelection in the 2026 election cycle, opening the district for the first time in more than a decade. Collins was first elected in 2010 and has served Morgan County for 16 years.
Johnson, a lifelong Morgan County resident, was raised on a family farm that remains in operation today. He graduated from The University of North Alabama in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in history and biology and a minor in geography.
He has owned and operated a small business in Decatur for 17 years and has served as chairman of the board for the Decatur-Morgan Chamber of Commerce, as well as a past president of the Decatur Kiwanis Club. He has also received The University of North Alabama Community Service Award.
“It is a great honor to be endorsed by the farmers of Morgan County,” Johnson said. “We share the same conservative values and ideals as the people of this district, and I look forward to taking those values with me to serve in Montgomery.”
Johnson and his wife, Vanessa, have two adult daughters and attend Life Point Church in Decatur.
The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization, representing more than 360,000 member families. Its political endorsements are made through Alabama FarmPAC, based on recommendations from county Farmers Federation boards.
Collins, who chairs the House Education Policy Committee, said her decision not to seek another term was made after years of public service that included sponsoring and carrying major legislation related to education, workforce development, rural healthcare, and economic growth.
“Representing Morgan County for the past 16 years has been the honor of my life, but the time has come to step aside and give someone new an opportunity to lead us forward,” Collins said in announcing her decision.
Three candidates are vying to succeed Collins in House District 8. In addition to Johnson, Republican Kevin Davenport is seeking the seat, along with Democrat Bruce Sparkman.
The winner of the Republican primary will advance to the general election later this year.
